Dean's Community Message

April 10, 2020

Dear College of Engineering Community,

As we wrap up week four of remote learning, teaching and working, I hope everyone is staying healthy and safe. This week is throwing our current situation into particularly stark comparison, since so many of us have already started celebrating spring holidays and will continue through this weekend. Those celebrations, while often providing a break to reflect and connect (with social distancing!) with friends and family, also look very different from previous holidays. Also, for some of us, even remote celebrations are impossible. At times like this, I’m reminded of a Fred Rogers quote: “Look for the helpers.”

That brings me to today’s inspirational quote, submitted by Jennifer Lachendro, Academic Adviser.

“There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.”
—Fred Rogers

While it’s good to look for helpers, sometimes we need to be the helpers. Through the call for appreciations for members of the engineering community, I can see there are so many kind helpers in our midst. From those who are going above and beyond in their work to those who are rising to provide light and happiness to their colleagues and students, we are a strong community. We are a kind community. Please continue to submit your appreciations, and take a few moments to communicate your appreciations directly. The cycle of kindness and word of affirmation can go a long way.

Here are today’s updates:

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) Offering Virtual Life Hacks

CAPS is offering a twice-daily drop-in support opportunity for all Penn State undergraduate and graduate students that is focused on the stress students may be experiencing associated with COVID-19 and the shift to online learning. The one-hour sessions run Monday-Friday at 10:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. More information can be found here.

Penn State Zoom Backgrounds

University Marketing has created a collection of virtual backgrounds to add some Penn State spirit to Zoom meetings and classes. The backgrounds, which you can download via Box, feature the “We Are Penn State” tagline, the Nittany Lion, and other iconic Penn State imagery. To ensure backgrounds display properly, uncheck the “mirror my video” option in your Zoom virtual background settings.

Graduate School Virtual Town Hall Recording

Yesterday, the Graduate School hosted a town hall meeting to provide updates and answer graduate students’ questions about the school’s response to the novel coronavirus pandemic. The meeting will soon be archived and available for viewing here.

Please continue to email me your “Because I couldn’t …” and your inspirational quotes. Penn State updates are available on the University’s coronavirus information site. You can connect with me on LinkedIn and follow the college on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Here’s to a safe and relaxing holiday weekend!

Justin Schwartz
Harold and Inge Marcus Dean, College of Engineering